THE Home Office has confirmed that a rural hotel in our area is no longer hosting asylum seekers. 

North Wiltshire MP James Gray received confirmation from Tom Pursglove MP, minister for immigration on Tuesday, May 7 which stated that all asylum seekers have been removed from The Wiltshire Hotel.

Over the last year asylum seekers have been able to stay at the hotel - which is located outside of Royal Wootton Bassett just off the A3102 - for up to a maximum of 90 days before being moved to accommodation elsewhere in the country.

However, the government decided to stop using many rural hotels across the country for this purpose at the beginning of the year. 

It is understood that asylum seekers who were staying at the hotel have now been moved to alternative Home Office accommodation such as large disused military sites or the Bibby Stockholm barge in Dorset. 

Mr Gray said: “I am delighted that The Wiltshire Hotel has finally ceased use as asylum accommodation. 

"Ever since it was first touted for use, I have campaigned against it. 

"The Wiltshire Hotel was fundamentally the wrong place to house asylum seekers and I am glad that the Home Office have now listened to my representations and ensured its closure.
 
“I know the local community will welcome this news and like them I look forward to seeing the hotel back to its proper use."